Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team in aquatic ecology projects, ensuring effective solutions and client engagement.
- Company: Join Ricardo, a company dedicated to creating a sustainable world through innovative environmental solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working options, 25 days annual leave, and support for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a global impact while developing your skills in a supportive and inclusive environment.
- Qualifications: Degree in ecology or biological sciences; consultancy experience and relevant qualifications preferred.
- Other info: We prioritise employee wellbeing and foster a culture where every voice matters.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Social network you want to login/join with:
Associate Director – Aquatic Ecology, Oxfordshire
Location: Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
Job Category: Other
EU work permit required: Yes
Job Reference:
28ba3d5921e6
Job Views:
27
Posted:
12.08.2025
Expiry Date:
26.09.2025
Job Description:
Our vision is to create a safe and sustainable world.
The Associate Director role within Aquatic Ecology offers an opportunity to develop and lead a dedicated technical team, expanding the existing project portfolio both in the UK and internationally.
Experience in client engagement, working with environmental regulators, and managing complex projects is essential. You will work collaboratively across disciplines to develop effective solutions, contribute to business growth through client development, and support project delivery and bidding processes.
Key responsibilities
- Provide technical leadership in aquatic ecology investigations across all project stages.
- Lead technical assessments for permits, including Habitats Regulations Assessments (HRA) and Water Framework Directive (WFD) assessments.
- Business development, client liaison, and establishing new clients.
- Lead, grow, and develop teams, supporting and mentoring junior staff.
Key competencies and experience
- Degree in ecology or biological sciences; postgraduate qualification preferred.
- Relevant consultancy experience; Full Membership of CIEEM or Chartered Ecologist status.
- Knowledge of UK and EU wildlife legislation, planning policies, and survey techniques.
- Experience with large-scale environmental projects.
- Willingness to undertake line management and leadership roles.
- Strategic thinking and team leadership skills.
- Mentoring abilities and adaptability to various projects.
Skills and Behaviour
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
- Strong team working skills and stakeholder engagement capabilities.
Desirable
- Postgraduate qualification (Masters or Doctorate).
- Experience with project direction, technical reviews, and managing permitting applications.
Working with Ricardo
We foster an inclusive culture where every voice matters. We support your passion and expertise to make a positive impact through innovative projects that benefit communities worldwide.
Work life balance
Flexible working options are available, including remote, office, or hybrid arrangements. We prioritize wellbeing to help you achieve your potential.
Benefits
Our benefits include 25 days\’ leave plus 8 bank holidays, a competitive pension, life assurance, and support for professional subscriptions. Additional flexible benefits are also available.
Next steps & Diversity statement
We are committed to diversity and inclusion, believing that a diverse workforce fosters innovation and excellence. We are a \’disability confident\’ employer and value all employees\’ potential.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Associate Director - Aquatic Ecology employer: Ricardo
Contact Detail:
Ricardo Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Director - Aquatic Ecology
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the aquatic ecology field. Attend industry conferences, workshops, or webinars to meet potential colleagues and clients. Engaging with others in your field can lead to valuable connections and insights about the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with current UK and EU wildlife legislation and planning policies. Being well-versed in these areas will not only boost your confidence but also demonstrate your commitment and expertise during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills by volunteering for team projects or mentoring junior staff in your current role. Highlighting your experience in managing teams and projects will be crucial for the Associate Director position.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your experience with large-scale environmental projects in detail. Be ready to share specific examples of how you contributed to project success, as this will be a key focus during the interview process.
We think you need these skills to ace Associate Director - Aquatic Ecology
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in aquatic ecology and consultancy. Emphasise your technical leadership skills and any experience with environmental regulations, as these are key for the Associate Director role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for aquatic ecology and your vision for leading a technical team. Mention specific projects you've worked on that align with the company's goals and how you can contribute to their mission of creating a sustainable world.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Clearly list your educational background, including your degree in ecology or biological sciences, and any postgraduate qualifications. If you have Full Membership of CIEEM or Chartered Ecologist status, make sure to mention it prominently.
Showcase Communication Skills: Since excellent communication is crucial for this role, provide examples of your ability to produce detailed technical reports and engage with stakeholders. This could be through previous job experiences or specific projects where you demonstrated these skills.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ricardo
✨Showcase Your Technical Expertise
Be prepared to discuss your knowledge of aquatic ecology and relevant legislation. Highlight specific projects where you've provided technical leadership or conducted assessments, such as those related to the Habitats Regulations or Water Framework Directive.
✨Demonstrate Client Engagement Skills
Since client relations are crucial for this role, think of examples where you've successfully engaged with clients or stakeholders. Discuss how you built relationships and contributed to business development in previous positions.
✨Emphasise Leadership and Mentorship Experience
This position requires leading a team, so be ready to share your experiences in mentoring junior staff or managing teams. Talk about your approach to leadership and how you've supported team members in their professional growth.
✨Prepare for Strategic Thinking Questions
Expect questions that assess your strategic thinking abilities. Be ready to discuss how you've approached complex projects, developed effective solutions, and contributed to business growth in your past roles.
